The Archdiocese of Seville has disseminated a message on the occasion of the regional elections scheduled in Andalusia on May 17, in which the faithful are encouraged to participate in public life through voting, recalling that it is “a right and, at the same time, a moral duty”.
The text, inspired by the Church’s Social Doctrine, emphasizes that Catholics “cannot remain on the sidelines” in the construction of society, and insists on the need to exercise civic commitment with responsibility and coherence.
Politics as Service to the Common Good
In its message, the bishops value those who assume political responsibilities “with honesty and coherence”, highlighting the service dimension proper to this vocation. In this line, it recalls the statement of the recent Popes according to which politics can be “the highest form of charity” when it is oriented towards the common good.
At the same time, public officials are asked to avoid instrumentalizing religion for ideological or partisan purposes, and Catholic politicians are encouraged not to hide their identity in the exercise of their functions.
Overcoming Polarization and Respecting the Truth
The statement also makes a call to overcome political polarization and to promote coexistence, dialogue, and cooperation. In this context, they emphasize the importance of respect for the truth as the basis of public life.
The Archdiocese insists that the Christian faith does not fully identify with any specific political project, which requires the faithful to exercise discernment when evaluating the different options.
Moral Principles to Guide the Vote
The text recalls a series of principles that, according to the Church’s teaching, should guide the political participation of Catholics. Among them are mentioned the defense of the dignity of every person, respect for human life from conception to natural death, and support for the family founded on the union between a man and a woman and open to life.
Likewise, the importance of parents’ right to educate their children according to their convictions, religious freedom, conscientious objection, and preferential attention to the most vulnerable, including youth, the elderly, the unemployed, and the sick, is emphasized.
Balance in Social Issues
The statement also mentions issues such as the right to housing, the fight against drug addiction, the care of creation, and the promotion of social justice. Regarding immigration, it points out the need to combine the right of States to regulate migratory flows with the welcome of immigrants, within the framework of respect for human dignity.
The message concludes with an invitation to all citizens, believers and non-believers, to exercise their right to vote “with responsibility and coherence”, appealing to personal commitment in the construction of the common good.